Holliday’s contract extended to 2018

Sometimes those coaching contracts really aren’t about the money, as Marshall’s Doc Holliday didn’t receive a raise in his latest extension of his contract.

But in the latest announcement of the fifth-year football coach’s status, it’s clear that both sides are investing in each other, and in the near future of the Thundering Herd. Holliday’s two-year extension carries him to June 2018, covering the next four football seasons.

Coming off the heels of a 10-4 season, expectations have soared for the Herd program, which had fallen dormant since the latter stages of Bob Pruett’s tenure. With fourth-year starting quarterback Rakeem Cato, a much-improved defense and a schedule called “manageable” by several pundits, an undefeated season is not out of the question. Whatever the case, this team could be as exciting to watch as any in Herd history.

“Coach Holliday has made Marshall football relevant again,” said Mike Hamrick, MU’s athletic director. “With his leadership, the Thundering Herd is on its way to competing for championships on a regular basis.”

Holliday’s base pay remains at $175,000, with supplemental salary for radio, TV, fundraising appearances, etc., pegged at $425,000. His incentive package totals up to $145,000 with the payout for conference championships and bowl appearances bumped up from $20,000 to $30,000.

Records from the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office show Holliday made $463,844.02 in 2010, $638,991.72 in 2011, $585,672.43 in 2012 and $584,452.17 in 2013.

His buyout remains at $600,000, unless he leaves for a job at West Virginia University. Then it raises to $3 million. Those terms were unchanged.

Reach Doug Smock at 304-348-5130, dougsmock@wvgazette.com or follow him at Twitter.com/dougsmock.